The HISA (Home Improvements and Structural Alterations) Grant is a program administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It is designed to help veterans and service members with disabilities make necessary modifications to their homes. This grant allows eligible individuals to improve their homes in ways that support their mobility and independence, particularly for those with service-connected disabilities.
Eligibility Criteria for the HISA Grant:
Veterans and Service Members: The primary eligibility requirement is that the applicant must be a veteran or a current service member of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Qualifying Disabilities: The grant is specifically for veterans and service members who have a disability that requires modifications to their home. The disability must be:
- Service-connected (resulting from an injury or disease incurred or aggravated during active military service) or
- Non-service-connected, but the person must be receiving VA health care for that disability.
Type of Disabilities:
- Veterans and service members with certain qualifying disabilities (e.g., amputations, spinal cord injuries, significant mobility limitations, etc.) that affect their ability to live independently may be eligible.
- The disability may be physical or functional, affecting things like mobility, access, or safety within the home.
Types of Home Modifications Covered:
The HISA grant can help pay for a variety of home improvements, including but not limited to:
- Wheelchair ramps or other accessibility modifications.
- Bathroom modifications (e.g., roll-in showers, grab bars).
- Widening doors for wheelchair or scooter access.
- Elevators or stair lifts for multi-story homes.
- Adjustments for other mobility needs like automatic door openers, etc.
Grant Limits:
There are two types of grants under the HISA program, with different funding limits:
- For service-connected disabilities: Up to $6,800 (as of 2024) can be awarded for necessary home modifications.
- For non-service-connected disabilities: Up to $2,000 may be available for home modifications.
For more information on how to apply for the HISA grant, click here.